Electrical short

[Rdrdave]

I'm not sure where to begin. One day my lights lit up very bright then went to normal, smelt a little plastic then off goes the panel lights. I drive home, not knowing my taillights are out and so are my brake lights until I get home. Hmmm. Well, I replaced the fuse and it pops as soon as I turn on the headlight switch. Would there be a short in the switch? SHould I start here, then fuse block, then the wires heading back to the taillights? I don't want to tear my truck's electrical out yet, since I use it for work. I just end up having to be home before it gets dark. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.